ConsFirst / Meat thermometers / Compare
ThermoWorks BlueDOT Alarm Thermometer with Bluetooth vs Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo Instant Read Thermometer
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
ThermoWorks BlueDOT Alarm Thermometer with Bluetooth ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on speed, ease of use. Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo Instant Read Thermometer wins on durability.
The biggest complaint about the ThermoWorks BlueDOT Alarm Thermometer with Bluetooth is only one probe; for the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo Instant Read Thermometer it's screen rotates only 180 degrees. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| ThermoWorks BlueDOT Alarm Thermometer with Bluetooth | Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo Instant Read Thermometer | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in meat thermometers | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Wired leave-in | Instant-read |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 7% | 3% |
| Overall score | 3.9 | 4.0 |
| Speed | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Accuracy | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Ease of use | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Range & app (wireless) | 3.0 | — |
| Durability | 3.0 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $40 · $$ $40–100 · $$$ over $100. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
ThermoWorks BlueDOT Alarm Thermometer with Bluetooth
- Only one probe
Serious Eats says a second probe would make it more useful, so serious grillers may prefer the multi-probe Smoke.
- Wired probes can burn out
For the identical non-Bluetooth Dot, Wirecutter says cables are sensitive and repeated high heat can burn them out; a few readers said theirs malfunctioned after several months. Amazon's summary for the Dot listing mentions some reports of the plastic housing melting.
- Less range for the money than fully wireless
Wirecutter says that for the BlueDOT's price you'd get more distance, features and durability from the single-probe TempSpike Plus.
Source: Wirecutter
Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo Instant Read Thermometer
- Screen rotates only 180 degrees
Wirecutter and Serious Eats both note the display flips upside down but won't turn vertical, so you have to turn your head at some angles.
Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats (instant-read) - °F/°C switch is inside the battery compartment
Wirecutter calls switching units a pain because you must open the battery compartment.
Source: Wirecutter - Some break after about a year; splash-proof only
Amazon's review summary says some owners report it broke after a year of use. It is rated IP65, so you can rinse it but not submerge it (Wirecutter, Serious Eats).
Who should pick which
Pick the ThermoWorks BlueDOT Alarm Thermometer with Bluetooth if
Easy, no-fuss grilling and roasting
A display plus phone alerts
Wide range from frying to freezing (-58 to 572°F)
Skip it if: You need more than one probe; You want a cable-free probe; You broil often (Wirecutter notes ThermoWorks warns against it for the Dot)
Pick the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo Instant Read Thermometer if
Thermapen-class results for much less
A fold-out probe with hold and min/max memory
Storing it on the fridge (magnet)
Skip it if: You switch between °F and °C often; You want it fully submersible (IP65 only); You need readings above 482°F
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